Ugenya MP Ochieng tells Orengo to make way for younger leaders

Ugenya MP David Ochieng has challenged Siaya Governor James Orengo to make way for a younger generation of leaders, saying his political generation has had its time and should now focus on mentoring those coming up.

Speaking in Sega, Ochieng questioned Orengo’s continued emphasis on his seniority in Kenyan politics, saying the veteran politician’s generation had already played its part in shaping the country.

“You know, I have heard James Orengo saying that he is the most senior politician in the country. I have heard him say this so many times,” Ochieng said.

He said several politicians who belonged to Orengo’s generation and fought alongside him during Kenya’s political struggles had already left the scene.

Ochieng cited Gitobu Imanyara, Kiraitu Murungi, and Musikari Kombo, saying the politicians had given way to younger leaders.

“All of them left the scene for young people to come in and lead the country,” he said.

He challenged Orengo to use his vast political experience to mentor younger leaders instead of seeking to remain at the centre of political leadership.

“This is the time to mentor other young people so that they can grow and lead the country as you watch,” Ochieng said.

The MP said the political freedoms that Orengo and his generation fought for were intended to give Kenyans the power to determine who should lead them.

He cited freedom of choice, expression and conscience, saying every Kenyan should be allowed to choose the leaders they want.

“Those are the rights we fought for, so that people can choose who they want,” he said.

Ochieng also defended the right of politicians to seek elective office for the number of terms allowed by law, saying the decision should ultimately be left to voters.

Treasury CS John Mbadi in Sega Treasury CS John Mbadi during a fundraiser to support the construction of a dormitory at Sega Girls High School in Ugenya, Siaya County./FIATH MATETE

Ochieng said Kenya should now move away from political confrontation and concentrate on an economic agenda that improves the lives of ordinary citizens.

He called for stronger efforts to fight tribalism, corruption and bad governance, saying the country already has a Constitution that provides a framework for governance.

Quoting the Bible’s teaching that there is a time for everything, Ochieng said the current moment should be used to pursue development rather than political confrontation.

“This is not a time to fight anymore. This is not a time to throw stones,” he said.

He urged leaders to sit down and plan how to economically empower Kenyans, identifying fishing, tourism and agriculture as key sectors that could transform livelihoods.

Ochieng said fishing resources should benefit local communities, while wildlife, islands and other natural resources should be harnessed to promote tourism and conservation.

He also called for greater investment in cotton farming and textile manufacturing, saying fertile land could be used to support an industrial value chain stretching towards Busia.

“This time is for us to plan how our good fertile grounds will be used to plant cotton so that we can have textile factories from home all the way to Busia,” he said.

The MP further urged leaders to work with the government of the day on development instead of engaging in political confrontation for its own sake.

“This is the time for us to go to the government of the day and plan: how do we empower our people?” he said.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, who also addressed the gathering, backed the call for peaceful political engagement and responsible leadership.

Mbadi said he had come to speak to residents without bringing goons or hooligans.

“I did not bring goons, I did not bring hooligans. I came as a citizen,” he said.

He said politicians were free to operate and seek support in different parts of the country but warned against bringing gangs or armed groups into communities.

Mbadi condemned political violence and intimidation, saying leaders should respect communities and allow political competition to take place peacefully.

He also called for leaders to focus on nurturing a new generation of politicians instead of using tactics that divide communities.

Turning his attention to Orengo, Mbadi urged the veteran politician to respect other leaders and his community.

“Mr Orengo, respect other leaders. Mr Orengo, respect your community,” he said.

Mbadi said political antics that divide communities had not helped Orengo and would not help him in the future.

The remarks come as political realignments gather pace ahead of the 2027 General Election, with leaders positioning themselves and building alliances ahead of the next contest.